Ingrown Toe Nails

Toenails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are frequently caused by improper nail trimming, but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity and poor foot structure. Women are much more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. Sometimes ingrown nails can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe style and size and seeking care early. If the ingrown toenail becomes painful and/or infected, treatment consists of removing the offending nail border under local anesthesia to relieve pressure and pain. If the condition repeatedly occurs, a permanent correction can be performed either chemically or surgically, depending on the specific situation.